A Citrus County teenager drowned last week while diving with friends off the Hernando County coast.
According to investigators, the teen and his friends were about 17 miles off the coast when he dove in the water and never came back up for air.
His friends were able to locate him quickly and performed CPR, but it was too late. The teen was pronounced dead a short time later at Seven Rivers Regional Medical Center.
According to officials, autopsy results are pending, but foul play is not suspected.
Diving and drowning accidents occur every year in Florida communities. According to a US Coast Guard study, more than 4,500 boating accidents occur each year. In 2012, nearly 20 percent of these accidents resulted in fatalities. Drowning is in fact a leading cause of death from boating accidents in the open water, and diving only increases these risks. If you or someone you love has suffered from a diving, near-drowning or drowning accident, you should seek legal help immediately so that you can understand what steps need to be taken to protect your rights.